Michael was born in Corpus Christi and grew up in Brownsville with two brothers and very supportive parents, Josefina (Pizaña) and Paulo Soto, who taught their sons the importance of education, community involvement, and respect for others.

Michael Soto lives at 2034 W. Kings Hwy. with his wife, Celina Peña, and their son, Alejo. A product of South Texas public schools, he graduated with honors from Stanford University and received a doctoral degree in English and American literature and language at Harvard University. He is presently associate professor of English and director of the McNair Scholars Program at Trinity University.

Education

• James Pace High School (Brownsville): class salutatorian
• Stanford University: B.A. with honors
• Harvard University: M.A. and Ph.D.

Employment and Experience

• associate professor at Trinity University
• director of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at Trinity University
• former chair of the University Curriculum Council at Trinity University
• former director of African American studies at Trinity University
• former teaching fellow at Harvard University
• experienced and dedicated teacher
• award-winning scholar and author

Public Service

• San Antonio Education Partnership board member
• Hawthorne Academy PTA member
• Jefferson Neighborhood Association member
• Woodlawn Lake Community Association member
• Teachers as Scholars program faculty
• National Hispanic Institute trustee (former)
• San Antonio ISD Community-Based Facilities Task Force member (former)
• Benitia Family Center board of directors (former)
• Trinity University Press editorial board (former)
• public speaker at numerous at schools, churches, & community groups
• active member of several higher education professional societies